Gångtrafik

Gångtrafik, commonly translated as pedestrian traffic, refers to human movement on foot within built environments. It encompasses walking on sidewalks, crossing streets at intersections, navigating public squares, and moving through pedestrian zones and shared spaces. Pedestrian traffic is a key element of urban mobility, linking destinations and providing access to transit, workplaces, services, and recreational spaces.

Effective gångtrafik requires infrastructure that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and comfort. This includes continuous, well-maintained sidewalks; safe crossing facilities with marked crosswalks, signal timing, and refuge islands; pedestrian-only zones or time-restricted areas; and lighting. Design often uses speed reductions for adjacent motor traffic, raised crosswalks, curb cuts for wheelchairs and strollers, tactile paving for visually impaired users, and wayfinding signage.

Pedestrian rights and responsibilities vary by country, but most systems define right-of-way for pedestrians at marked crossings and require motorists to yield. Urban planning for gångtrafik employs traffic calming, separated bicycle lanes, and shared space concepts to reduce conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Enforcement and education, along with data on pedestrian volumes and injuries, inform policy and street design choices.

Gångtrafik supports accessibility and social inclusion, encourages active mobility, and contributes to urban vitality by increasing footfall in commercial areas. It is a core consideration in public transport planning, street design, and universal accessibility standards, shaping how cities function for people on foot.